How To Find a Great Location for Your Photoshoot

No matter where in the world you are, there's a photoshoot location right around the corner.

Notice how I didn't say a pretty location, or even an interesting location. I can't guarantee that you live in a vibrant city with a glistening skyline, nor that you're surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. What I do know for sure is that you don't need to stray far from home to take some incredible photos.

I know this, because I've taken photos in many boring and ugly locations, but the final images have been the opposite.

Bear this in mind as you search for a photoshoot spot: the location is only a part of the overall image. Heck, a multistory car park can look stunning if you're shooting an extreme close up of a beautiful model.

Now that you know not to fret too much about the location, you're ready to get out there and pick a spot for your next photoshoot.

Once you found a location that you think has potential, ask yourself these key questions:

When will the light be best, and what direction will the light be coming from at that time?

The best time to shoot depends on the vibe you're going for. Golden hour is a great option: that's the hour before sunset or after sunrise when the light is warm and at its most flattering.

However, golden hour isn't necessarily the best time to shoot for every location. For instance, say you've found a cool alleyway to shoot at, in a city of high rise buildings. The towers could be so tall they block out the light in the hour before sunset. For this location, shooting when the sun is higher in the sky could work better.

For peace of mind, visit the location at the time that you want to shoot at, a couple of days before the shoot date, and check that the light is right.

Is there somewhere for the model to change, or to touch up their makeup?

Whether you're shooting one look or you've asked your model to bring a selection of outfits, an ideal location is near a coffee shop or public restroom where the model can check their makeup and fix their clothing.

Not every location has an area with complete privacy. Perhaps you are shooting in a rural area with no shops close by. If this is the case, be sure to bring a mirror for the model to use when touching up their make up. If you are shooting multiple looks, you may also need to bring a portable changing room.

How busy is the area?

Next, consider just how busy this location gets. This is important because you probably don't want a load of random people in the background of your photos.

Also, some models, especially amateur ones, might get uncomfortable if there are a lot of eyes on them.

Ideally you want your location to be quiet and private, though that's not to say you can't shoot photos in a busy location. It's just that it can be a little bit more difficult.

Is it safe for you and your model to shoot here?

Finally, it is vital to check that the location that you're going to shoot at, is safe. If you don't know the area too well, Google the area to see what the general consensus is.

Once you're sure the area is not overtly dangerous, you should also think of other potential risk factors of the location. For instance, a popular street style photography shot is of a person walking across the road. I've done this in busy areas like Manhattan, and it can be safely done, but you need to be careful. Keep your eyes open and always err on the side of caution.

If you've asked yourself these key questions and you're happy with the answers, congratulations! You've found yourself a photoshoot location.

Now it's time to get out there and shoot!

If you enjoyed this article, check out my course on Skillshare (using this link for a free trial): How to do a Street Style Photoshoot: Finding a Model, Location Scouting, Styling & the Shoot Day.